Rotter's External Locus of Control vs. Rotter's Internal Locus of Control

Attribute	Rotter's External Locus of Control	Rotter's Internal Locus of Control
Belief in control	Believes that outcomes are controlled by external factors such as luck or fate	Believes that outcomes are controlled by their own actions and decisions
Responsibility	Tends to blame external factors for failures	Takes responsibility for their actions and outcomes
Self-efficacy	May have lower self-efficacy due to belief in external control	Higher self-efficacy due to belief in internal control
Adaptability	May struggle to adapt to changing circumstances	More adaptable and proactive in seeking solutions

Definition of Locus of Control

Locus of control is a concept developed by psychologist Julian B. Rotter in the 1950s. It refers to an individual's belief about the underlying cause of events in their life. Rotter proposed that people fall on a continuum between having an internal locus of control and an external locus of control.

Rotter's External Locus of Control

Individuals with an external locus of control believe that their lives are primarily influenced by external factors such as luck, fate, or powerful others. They tend to attribute their successes and failures to forces beyond their control, leading to a sense of powerlessness and dependency on external circumstances.

People with an external locus of control may feel that they have little influence over their own lives and may be more likely to blame others for their misfortunes. This belief can lead to feelings of helplessness and a lack of motivation to take action to improve their situation.

Research has shown that individuals with an external locus of control are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. They may also have lower levels of job satisfaction and academic achievement compared to those with an internal locus of control.

External locus of control is often associated with a fatalistic attitude and a belief that one's fate is predetermined. This mindset can hinder personal growth and development, as individuals may not see the value in making efforts to change their circumstances.

Overall, having an external locus of control can limit an individual's ability to take control of their life and make positive changes. It can lead to a sense of resignation and a lack of belief in one's own capabilities.

Rotter's Internal Locus of Control

In contrast, individuals with an internal locus of control believe that they have control over their own lives and the outcomes of their actions. They attribute their successes and failures to their own efforts, abilities, and decisions, rather than external factors.

People with an internal locus of control tend to be more proactive and take responsibility for their actions. They are more likely to set goals, work towards them, and persist in the face of challenges. This sense of agency and self-efficacy can lead to greater success and satisfaction in various areas of life.

Research has shown that individuals with an internal locus of control tend to have better mental health outcomes, higher levels of achievement, and greater job satisfaction. They are also more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and seek out opportunities for personal growth.

Internal locus of control is associated with a sense of empowerment and belief in one's ability to shape their own destiny. This mindset can lead to increased motivation, resilience, and a willingness to take risks in pursuit of goals.

Overall, having an internal locus of control can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life, as individuals are more likely to take initiative, persevere in the face of challenges, and actively seek out opportunities for growth and improvement.

Comparison of Attributes

• External locus of control is associated with a belief in external factors influencing one's life, while internal locus of control is associated with a belief in personal agency and control.
• Individuals with an external locus of control may feel powerless and dependent on external circumstances, while those with an internal locus of control tend to be more proactive and take responsibility for their actions.
• External locus of control is linked to negative outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and lower levels of achievement, while internal locus of control is associated with better mental health, higher achievement, and greater satisfaction.
• People with an external locus of control may have a fatalistic attitude and believe that their fate is predetermined, while those with an internal locus of control are more likely to believe in their ability to shape their own destiny.
• Overall, having an internal locus of control is generally seen as more beneficial for personal growth, success, and well-being compared to having an external locus of control.